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Saturday, May 10, 2014

Anti-TPPA: UM students get show-cause letters

KUALA LUMPUR: Universiti Malaya (UM) has issued show-cause letters to six students for displaying a “Anti-TPPA” placard during American president Barack Obama’s visit two weeks ago.

UM Students Council representatives Fahmi Zainol told the reporters that the university had issued the show-cause letters yesterday asking to students to explain why a placard was displayed during the town hall event.

The letters stated that the act by the six students, including Fahmi, had damaged the reputation of the university.

Fahmi said the UM management should have sent the show-cause letters to students who asked unintelligent questions during the event.

“Even the event organiser, US embassy, did not take any action against us and were polite.

“The council, which was formed to protect students’ rights, has lost its relevancy. Lately, they have been oppressing our speech and freedom,” said Fahmi.

Fahmi said the students would seek legal advice before responding to the management.

Meanwhile Deputy chancellor for Students’ affairs Prof Dr Rohana Yusof when contacted informed FMT that the show cause letters were issued because the university wants to know why the students acted in such a way.

“There will be no disciplinary action as yet.The university has the right to ask students on every action that might put the varsity in a bd light.

“It is also a standard practise as we would like to know why certain actions were taken by the students and we need to understand that action,” said Dr Rohana via a text message.